Federer truly one of the all-time greats

Federer truly one ofthe all-time greats
Vintage tennis was witnessed at Wimbledon centre court on Sunday evening. Andy Murray, the first English player to appear in a final after 76 years and Roger Federer, rose to the occasion and played sublime tennis. Murray was in command in the first set. With the home crowd backing him and Federer struggling at 5-all in the second set, the match was poised in favour of the British player. But the first time finalist at Wimbledon was overtaken by his more experienced opponent then on. A 40-minute break in the third set proved a respite for both the players. But when the roof top cover came on, Federer was ruthless in his attack and Murray failed to put up a fight. The Swiss player won 4-6,7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Federer is now level with Pete Sampras with seven singles Grand Slam to his credit. Also, he regained the world number one ranking with this win. Federer surely will be ruling the sport for some more time to come.

—Jayanthy S Maniam, via e-mail
 

II
Roger Federer has shattered the dreams of not only Andy Murray, but an entire nation. While it was brute power which enabled Serena Williams to claim her 5th Wimbledon title, it was the silken ground strokes that helped Federer to win his record equaling 7th title. We surely feel sorry for Murray, who failed to capitalise on the chances offered by Federer. It seems, like his coach Ivan Lendl, Murray too is passing through a similar phase of missing Grand Slam titles, especially the Wimbledon. As pointed out by Federer, Murry is a Grand Slam player and he too would win some like his coach.

—N Mahadevan, Mumbai

The health sector
This has reference to ‘Free medicines: Grand plan at measly budget’ (July 6). Both the pharmaceutical industry and the general healthcare scenario need immediate attention of the government. And it is to be noted that India has not fared well on the healthcare in the World Health Statistics 2010. The country’s dysfunctional healthcare system is a cause for concern. In our country, larger proportions of investment in the sector are being siphoned away because of corruption at all levels of governance. Also, if large sections of its population are sick, the country cannot do well in industrial productivity and growth. The government should understand that only a young and healthy people can make the country stronger in all spheres. In this context, the government should take effective and urgent steps to develop the health sector in the country.

—PSS Durai, Mumbai

Time-tested strategy
This has reference to the city edit ‘Small Flat, fine print’ (July 6). It is a cat and mouse game for builders and home buyers. You have rightly said it’s a matter of who blinks first. But in all probability, the builders will not blink as they say that buyers have hidden their notes in wells. There is a limit to which a buyer can afford to pay for a flat. Gone are the days when a salaried person used to buy plots and then construct houses and still had savings for old-age care. Builders always blame the government for delays in clearances and ask for a cut in interest rates for housing loans.

The luxury homes are not selling, as the economy is sluggish and there is a lack of investors. It is a time-tested marketing technique: when the demand is sluggish, the builders go for constructing one-BHK flats. Earlier, there were free offers like fridge, washing machine, furniture, gas connections, and security systems along with the purchase of two and three-bedroom flats. Now, even the cost of a one-bedroom flat is exorbitant and in far-away areas.

Apart from the cost of buying a flat, one has to take care of maintenance too, along with municipal taxes and registration fees including stamp duty. And even the government wants to milch the buyer through property tax. Even for people with secured jobs, it is a herculean task to buy a roof over one’s head. The exorbitant housing prices are killing the city gradually. To add to that, rents have also become exorbitant as landlords know that the tenants cannot buy a flats. Promoting of one-BHK flats is a time-tested marketing technique by the builders.

—Deendayal M Lulla, Mumbai

Anti-corruption wave
The ‘cash for job’ scam in the National Defence Academy  shows how deep rooted is this menace. People heading the authority have been taking their self-assumed uprightness, honesty and unassailability for granted. They have also demonstrated that decorations and meritorious awards can be bought. Even the anti-corruption wave that was set in motion by well-meaning social workers could not put a check on these self assumed ‘upright’ people. Their boldness to indulge in corrupt practices at the cost of the nation and the good name of a hallowed institution where they are serving is a matter of great alarm for the honest citizens.

Now, at least someone who matters at the top of the government has decided to act in a decisive manner to expose all the corruption. The politically motivated class may dub this as an election stunt, but for the hapless citizens there is a reason to rejoice. Leave the identity of the high-placed leader who has set the CBI on a field role of probing corrupt practices. That apart, kudos to defence minister AK Anthony, who acted suo moto and promptly removed the NDA commandant from his office, paving way for an impartial investigation into the matter. Undoubtedly, there is a strong anti-corruption wave this time led by the government and the ruling party.

—Mathew Oommen, Pune BJP and Yeddyurappa

The BJP, the party which pats itself for its ‘clean’ administration in the states ruled by them, has decided to replace a decent and clean chief minister after he served for 11 months. Sadananda Gowda was replaced with Jagdish Shettar in Karnataka because the latter is a nominee of Lingayat strongman and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa. The move is only to show BJP’s desire to stick with the Lingayats, a politically-dominant community that propelled the party to power in the southern state. Now, how does BJP explain to voters why Gowda’s good work failed to get rewarded? It is to be seen whether the people of Karnataka will accept the change.

—BK Chatterjee, Faridabad